Former pupil remembers Stourport village school in will

Brenda Jones, who died aged 78, still remembered Wilden All Saints CE Primary School, which she attended in the 1950s, writing in her will how “fortunate” she was to attend the “wonderful” school.

Her will continued: “The school inspired my lifelong love of books and reading and in recognition of that, I would like a gift to be made to the school to purchase books for the present pupils to read and enjoy.”

Her daughter, Lisa Jones, said the years at Wilden had been a “transformational experience” for her mother, who lived in the village until moving to Lancaster with her late husband Trevor, about 25 years ago to be nearer their son Simon.

Lisa said: “The school offered mum access to books which she didn’t have at home and it was an exciting place to be. She remembered so fondly the days out and traditions like the annual Thomas Jones Day.

“There was one particular teacher who really believed in her and gave the confidence to sit the 11+ and earn a place at Kidderminster Grammar School, with the help of a charity paying for her uniform.”

Brenda had to get a job rather than stay on at school to take her A-levels, but undeterred, she finally took them when she was in her 40s. She also passed on her love of learning to her two children, both of whom went to university, with Lisa now the headteacher of a secondary school in Hertfordshire.

Charlotte McDonald, head of school, said: “It’s wonderful to hear how our lovely school had such an impact on Brenda’s life and I’m sure she’d be thrilled to know how that tradition lives on at Wilden. Only recently, Ofsted inspectors highlighted that reading is at the heart of our learning, in rating us ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

“We are in the process of refurbishing our library, so this generous donation will be put to good use and I’m sure Brenda’s story will inspire our current pupils.”

Brenda also left a gift in her will to All Saints Church, Wilden, where her grandparents Martin and Violet Taylor are buried.